102 | Affirming Black Motherhood - Shanicia Boswell
Shanicia Boswell, a self-proclaimed serial entrepreneur, reflected on the birth of her daughter. She recalls feeling like getting pregnant at 22 was like getting pregnant in high school. Her friends were busy continuing their education and traveling. She remembered not feeling accepted or treated well due to being young, Black, and unmarried. She knew that she wanted an unmedicated water birth and discovered that her hospital did not offer that opportunity. Shanicia boldly changed providers at 28 weeks gestation to match her personal birth preferences. When labor ensued, Shanicia found herself in awe of the birthing process and the wonder of her own body. She safely rode the wave, and her labor produced a beautiful baby girl without complications. As postpartum began, Shanicia’s mother stepped in to provide in-home support and helped with the transition. She experienced the “baby blues” as her body and mind had to reconnect and take on a new life.
Shanicia has channeled her pregnancy and parenting experiences from the lens of a Black woman into a career. Her latest project is a pregnancy book, Oh Sis, You’re Pregnant: The Ultimate Guide to Black Pregnancy and Motherhood, that flows through all of the ways we can prepare our minds and bodies for childbirth and the forever postpartum period. There are African birth traditions, detailed health concerns that tend to affect Black bodies more frequently, space for Black women to see themselves, and there is joy - a joy that fits the occasion of the blessing of a new life.
Resources:
Black Moms Blog | parenting, culture, and lifestyle from a Black mom’s point of view
Oh Sis, You’re Pregnant! | the ultimate guide to Black pregnancy & motherhood
National Black Doulas Association | connects Black birthing families with Black Doulas nationwide
ROOTT | reproductive justice organization
Sista Midwife Productions | birth advocacy organization based in New Orleans, LA
Ancient Song Doula Services | international doula certifying organization
SMC Full Circle Doula Training | training in pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum doula care